What Is Crippling Depression? ― “Reasons to Stay Alive” & “Counselling for Toads”

 

When things don't go your way, it's common to feel depressed. However, if the depressive episodes last for more than two weeks and you feel miserable and lack interest in your favorite activities, you may suffer crippling depression. In a period of crippling depression, the person experiences consistent negative moods, overwhelming feelings of sadness or emptiness, or a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities for at least two weeks prior to the onset of the episode.

In this article, we will discuss crippling depression in detail, including its definition, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. We hope you can get some help from our blog.

 

Contents

Definition of Crippling Depression

10 Symptoms of Crippling Depression

Causes of Crippling Depression

Diagnosis of Crippling Depression

10 Tips to Heal Crippling Depression

 

Definition of Crippling Description

 

➢ What is crippling depression?

A severe form of depression known as crippling depression is one that impairs one's day-to-day functioning significantly. It is also known as Major Depressive Disorder clinically. During a major depressive episode or period of crippling depression, a person has consistently negative moods, feelings of sadness or emptiness, or loses interest in previously enjoyed activities for at least two weeks. 

The major depressive episode can also cause significant weight gain and loss without changing the diet, decreased or increased appetite, decreased or increased sleep, restlessness, fatigue, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and thoughts of suicide. However, even though you love socializing, it may be difficult for you to go to work or socialize with others.

➢ Distinguish between crippling depression and the blues

In general, “cases of the blues” are associated with feelings that change when you’re in particular environments, such as at home, at work, or at school. A feeling of hopelessness or sadness can be a sign of crippling depression, but it can also simply be a mood resulting from particular experiences. The prolonged period of sadness causes crippling depression and the other symptoms mentioned earlier. The most common symptom of crippling depression is consistently negative attitudes (pessimistic outlook) without any respite.

 

10 Symptoms of Crippling Depression

Symptoms of severe depression can range from changes in a person's moods and feelings to physical and cognitive symptoms that affect their ability to think and function. 

Depressive disorders are diagnosed when persistent symptoms have occurred for at least two weeks on a daily or near-daily basis.

There are several signs and symptoms of depression that you may experience:

➢ A persistent feeling of sadness, anxiety, or depression.

If you have crippling anxiety, you may also experience severe mood swings, including adverse events or situations that would normally cause you to feel optimistic or neutral.

➢ Anxiety, frustration, and irritability.

Things that normally wouldn't affect your mood or outlook may start to irritate or frustrate you more easily than normal. Small things that wouldn't normally bother you will have a noticeable effect on you.

➢ Hopelessness and pessimism.

Certain things might seem hopeless and impossible to fix or improve, even if they aren't.

➢ Inability to enjoy hobbies and lose interest in them.

 The hobbies and activities that used to make you feel happy, excited and fulfilled may no longer appeal to you or that you enjoy engaging in.

➢ Sleeping, staying asleep, or waking up is difficult for you.

Insomnia may make it difficult for you to fall asleep and prevent you from getting back to sleep at a normal time. When you're asleep, it may be difficult for you to wake up at a normal time.

➢ Having trouble concentrating or remembering information.

It may be challenging for you to concentrate on specific tasks or remember specific information. This may affect your academic and/or career performance.

➢ A lack of decision-making ability.

Regardless of how small, decisions can feel much more challenging and even impossible. This can prevent you from taking action in certain areas.

➢ You feel fatigued and your movements slow down.

Your energy levels may decline. You may feel physically tired. Your movements, conversations, and thoughts may slow down.

➢ Changing appetites and body compositions.

There may be changes to your diet and eating habits as you feel less or more hungry than usual. This may result in weight gain or weight loss.

➢ Digestion problems, headaches, pains and cramps.

Many people with depression develop aches and pains without any apparent cause. Some people with depression also experience digestive issues and other physical symptoms that don't change despite treatment.

● Causes of Crippling Depression

Here are some factors that could be causing your depression. There is no single cause of depression. Instead, depression can result from a number of triggers or causes.

 

● Genetics/family history of depression

● Chronic pain or illness

● Adverse childhood experiences

● Psychological or emotional vulnerability

● Biological factors, like an imbalance in your brain chemistry or immune system

● Substance use

● Major life stress and anxiety

A physical illness can also cause depression. Some illnesses, such as lupus or hypothyroidism, share some of the symptoms of clinical depression. It is also possible that depression results from a reaction to a physical illness, such as cancer or a heart attack, that triggers symptoms. There is also the possibility that a stroke or other physical illness could cause depression.

People of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities can suffer from major depression. People can also develop depression even if they have had depressive episodes before.

There is no guarantee that you can identify why you are depressed; however, learning how to deal with it is the most important thing.

● Diagnosis of Crippling Depression

Medical health professionals, particularly psychiatrists, diagnose depression. The doctor may ask you about your symptoms, or you may have to fill out a questionnaire to determine your behaviors.

In what circumstances would it be appropriate for you to seek professional medical help? What should be your turning point to realize you need medical attention? What are the questions you can answer yourself?

➢ How can I tell I have crippling depression?

The following self-test for depression can help you determine if you are suffering from depression. If you answer YES to four or more questions, then you should speak with a mental health professional.

Seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible, before your depression becomes severe or your family relationships or everyday tasks are affected. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

How much time do I spend sleeping? Do I have difficulty sleeping, or do I end up sleeping all day?

Am I losing interest in activities that normally excite me, such as hobbies, exercise, spending time with significant others, or sports?

Do I often get absent or tardy at work or school because I am too tired or my body aches without apparent reason?

Does this affect my ability to function at home, at work, or in school?

 

In the past few days or weeks, have I become easily irritated or upset?

Do I have an increased or decreased appetite lately?

Are you thinking about suicide more and more each day? If so, are you contemplating self-harm or suicide?

Have I ever experienced mood swings without cause before?

Are these symptoms persist for more than two weeks? In times of depression, we may cease engaging in even our simplest activities, such as brushing our teeth, showering, or eating. It is important to carefully plan and take action even when you lack energy or motivation if you want to get out of this funk and overcome feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

● 10 Tips to Heal Crippling Depression-Reasons To Stay Alive

1. Go outside

You can improve your mood and cognitive functioning by spending time outside. You can read a book in your yard, go hiking, or spend time on the beach.

2. Get moving

Besides being beneficial for our physical health, exercise is also beneficial for our mental health. As you move around your neighborhood, explore how you feel as you dance, swim, run, practice yoga, or take an exercise class. Movement is a healthy way to express, process, and release our emotions.

3. Engage in your favorite activities

You can fight depression by engaging in activities you enjoy, whether it's a favorite activity from your childhood or something you've always wanted to try. This could be playing an instrument, drawing or painting, cooking, or even just reading. Follow through with your plan, even if it feels hard or if you don't think you'll have any fun.

4. Spend time with people you like

Consider how you feel when you are with people. Spend more time with the people you feel the most comfortable around. For an added benefit, engage in physical activities outside with loved ones.

5. Maintain a balanced diet

You may need to consult a nutritionist or your primary care physician for advice specific to your needs. The best diet for you might not be the same as the best diet for someone else. According to research, following a Mediterranean diet and eating more fish may help prevent depression. There is an increased risk of depression when you eat a lot of sweets. This risk is also increased when you exclude a lot of foods from your diet.

6. Improve your sleep

It is well known that sleep plays a strong role in mood, so improving your sleep can help treat depression. Some ways to improve an individual's sleep hygiene include having a bedtime routine, only using the bed for sleeping or sex, and not using your phone in bed.

7. Writing something down

By externalizing our thoughts and feelings, we can get some perspective on them and decide whether or not we want to act. Sometimes just writing down our thoughts and feelings can be helpful.

8. Practice mindfulness

A person suffering from depression often thinks about the past or worries about the future. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay in the present moment by engaging in mindfulness. Using your five senses as a way to focus can help you. If you worry helplessly or ruminate, depression can worsen.

9. Do voluntary work

Our well-being depends on our interaction with others, which is why helping behaviors are linked to improved mental health as well. Studies have shown that helping others is even more beneficial for people with higher depression levels. It would be great if you could volunteer at a neighborhood summer or holiday event, serve coffee or clean up at your church, or visit a nursing home.

10. Do things you value

Find your top five values, and take action to serve them. Taking action in service of these values leads to a more fulfilling life for us. Commitment to our values is associated with lower levels of depression and distress, according to recent research.